Structure and Method for Using a Funnel

ABSTRACT

A device ( 100, 200 ) for transferring material ( 11, 211 ) into a bag ( 40, 240 ) including a funnel ( 10, 210 ) having a sidewall ( 58, 258 ) with a step ( 13, 213 ), and the funnel ( 10, 210 ) includes an outlet end ( 52, 252 ). The bag ( 40, 240 ) having an opening ( 45, 245 ) receives the outlet end ( 50, 252 ) of the funnel ( 10, 210 ) and the step ( 13, 213 ). Further, the device ( 100, 200 ) includes a support ( 20, 220 ) for receiving the funnel ( 10, 210 ) in combination with the bag ( 40, 240 ). The support ( 20, 220 ) includes a top surface ( 12, 212 ). The step ( 13, 213 ) rests generally above a portion of the top surface ( 12, 212 ) to substantially secure the bag ( 40, 240 ) between the funnel ( 10, 210 ) and the support ( 20, 220 ).

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of the prior filed provisional application reference No. 61/550,443.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a funnel and, more particularly, using a funnel in the process of transferring material.

Transferring liquids and solid particles, referred to as material, into a non-rigid container such as a bag generally requires using both hands. One hand is normally used to hold the bag to receive the material, and a second hand is typically needed for gripping a source container referred to as a source. A lack of coordination of handling the source and receiving container can result in spillage of a portion of the material intended for transfer. This is especially true if the opening of the receiving container is small or flexible. For this reason, when transferring material to a flexible container or a container having a small opening, the user may employ a funnel to reduce spillage.

In situations where the receiving container lacks rigidity, such as a bag, a funnel may not be adequate to preclude spillage in transferring the material. Spillage can be due to the bag not sufficiently conforming with the funnel in order to substantially receive the material. As a consequence, a portion of the material can inadvertently not transfer into the bag or can bypass the bag opening completely. Furthermore, the bag can slip away from the funnel resulting in spillage because the user is unable to sufficiently couple the bag to the funnel.

Hence, in using a funnel, there is a need to improve the transfer of material from a source to a non-rigid receiving container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one general aspect of the invention, a method of transferring a material into a bag includes forming a funnel-bag combination by disposing a portion of a funnel having a step into the bag. Next, a support is positioned generally around the funnel-bag combination, and the bag is anchored at least between the step and the support. Finally, the funnel-bag combination is suspended and the material is conveyed from a source through the funnel and into the bag.

In yet another general aspect of the invention, a device for transferring material into a bag includes a funnel with a sidewall having upper and lower portions separated by a step. A support is provided for receiving the funnel, and the support has a top surface and an inner edge. The bag is securely interposed between the step and the top surface and between the lower portion and the inner edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a device in relation to a non-rigid container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the non-rigid container connected to the device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device and non-rigid container taken from section 1-1 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting an application of the device coupled to a surface and a portion of the device overhanging a cavity; and

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a non-rigid container used with an alternate embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Generally, the invention is a device and method for improving the transfer of material into a non-rigid container or bag. The device comprises a funnel and a support, which are coupled together in a particular combination with a bag. The funnel consists of inlet (wide) and outlet (narrow) ends. The support includes a handle and at least two arms separated by an opening or space. First, the bag is opened. A portion of the narrow end of the funnel is placed within the bag. The funnel and bag combination is now positioned within the opening between the arms of the support, thereby securing the bag between the funnel and the support. Once the bag is secured in position with the device, the device and bag can be suspended to allow the bag to fully extend for receiving material. To transfer material, the device can be held by griping one hand on the handle portion of the support. The other hand can be used for gripping a source container to transfer the material into the funnel. Optionally, the bag can be suspended by mounting the support near the edge of an open space or cavity. By mounting the support, the device can be used without any hands. This provides the advantage of freeing up the hands to better control placement of material into the bag. For example, repeatedly filling bags can be a mundane task resulting in spillage costing time and money. Thus, by having no direct contact with the funnel and bag, the opportunity for spillage can be reduced. The user can simply use at least one hand to hold and transfer material from the source through the funnel and into the bag.

The present invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction, with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numbers designate like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view depicting a device 100 consisting of a funnel 10 and a support 20. Further, FIG. 1 shows a non-rigid container or bag 40 with the device 100.

The funnel 10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes inlet 50 (wide) and outlet 52 (narrow) ends for receiving and transmitting a material 11 (see FIG. 3), respectively. The material 11 can include solids, liquids, powders, granules, particles, gels, oils and the like. As shown here, the funnel 10 is generally oblong and includes two opposing pairs of wide 54 and narrow 56 sides having an outer surface called a sidewall 58. The sidewalls 58 include upper 60 and lower 62 portions. Though the shape of the funnel 10 is illustrated having sides 54, 56 that are curved, the shape of the funnel 10 should not be considered a limitation of the present invention. A step 13 marks a transition between upper 60 and lower 62 portions of the sidewall 58 having larger and smaller circumferences of the funnel 10, respectively. As depicted in FIG. 3 (below), the step 13, is substantially perpendicular to the upper 60 and lower 62 portions. The funnel 10 can be made using various materials including plastic, metal, glass, spun-glass, wood, rubber and the like. The dimensions of the funnel 10 can be scaled to fit any size bag 40 and should not be considered a limitation of the present invention.

The support 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1, is shown as generally Y-shaped. However, the shape of the support 20, as shown, should not be considered a limitation of the present invention. A lower portion of the support 20 is called a handle 25, and the upper portions of the generally Y-shape support 20 are referred to as arms 23. FIG. 1 also depicts other features of the support 20 including a top surface 12 and a hole 29 is shown passing through the handle 25.

A space between the arms 23 is called a support opening 28. As shown in FIG. 1, opposite ends of the support opening 28 are referred to as the closed 21 and open 22 relief regions. A portion of the support 20 facing the support opening 28 is referred to as an inner edge 24. The inner edge 24, as shown in FIG. 1, is contoured to generally track along a profile that follows the shape of the opposing lower portion 62 of the funnel 10. The support 20 can be made using various materials including plastic, metal, glass, spun-glass, wood, rubber and the like. The dimensions of the support 20 can be scaled to fit any size bag 40 and should not be considered a limitation of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the bag 40 is shown generally in relation to the device 100. The bag 40 typically is made having sealed edges 43. A bag opening 45 is for receiving material 11 (see FIG. 3), and may include a zipper, called a closure mechanism 42, for keeping the bag 40 closed and is shown in FIG. 1. The bag 40 includes inner 44 and outer 46 surfaces and can be made of materials including plastic, hemp, various fabrics, burlap, composite materials and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device 100 depicting the funnel 10 and bag 40 together or configured in combination and is referred to as a funnel-bag combination 41, which is shown positioned within the support opening 28 (see FIG. 1) between the arms 23. A portion of the outer surface 46 of the bag 40 adjacent to the bag opening 45 is in contact with the inner edge 24 (see FIG. 1) of the arms 23.

The process of configuring the device 100 or positioning the bag 40 between the support 20 and the funnel 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is as follows: First, the bag 40 is opened, and a portion of the bag 40 adjacent to the bag opening 45 can be placed around the funnel 10. In other words, a portion of the funnel 10 is placed within the bag 40. Here, positioning the bag 40 adjacent to the bag opening 45 is generally such that the closure mechanism 42 is above the step 13 of the funnel 10 (see FIG. 3). By keeping the closure mechanism 42 above the step 13, any transferred material 11 (see FIG. 3) can be kept out of the closure mechanism 42. The bag 40 needs to generally cover the lower portion 62 and can extend over a substantial part of the upper portion 60 of the sidewall 58. Next, the funnel 10 with the bag 40 around the sidewall 58 is received via the open relief 22 (see FIG. 1) between the arms 23. The funnel-bag combination 41 can be positioned within the support opening 28 (see FIG. 1) such that the bag 40 is secured or anchored between the lower portion 62 of the funnel 10 and the inner edge 24 (see FIG. 1) of the support 20. Further, the bag 40 is also secured or anchored between the top surface 12 of the support 20 and the step 13 of the funnel 10. Once fully in position, the funnel 10 and support 20 form an interference fit. With the bag 40 between the funnel 10 and support 20, the interference fit between the funnel 10 and support increases slightly. An interference fit is well known in the mechanical arts and is commonly referred to as a press or friction fit and occurs when a plurality of structures are compressed or pushed together. This provides a way to fasten components together without employing fasteners or adhesives. The total interference including the thickness of the bag 40 provides sufficient tightness to hold the bag 40 in position. However, the interference fit is loose enough to allow the combination of the funnel 10, support 20 and bag 40 to easily fit together. As depicted in FIG. 2, the support 20 generally surrounds the funnel-bag combination 41

In an alternate embodiment, the process of configuring the device 100 can include opening the bag 40 and positioning the outer surface 46 of the bag 40 on the inner edge 24 of the support 20. Next, the funnel 10 can be received by the bag 40 via the bag opening 45, thereby pinning the bag 40 between the funnel 10 and the support 20.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, an attachment mechanism 30 such as a suction cup is depicted having a protrusion or nipple 32. In FIG. 2, the nipple is shown inserted into the hole 29 of the handle 25 opposite the top surface 12 of the support 20, thereby connecting the attachment mechanism 30 to the handle 25. The attachment of the nipple 32 to the handle 25 can include a press fit, various adhesives and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the attachment mechanism 30 can be coupled to a surface 80. The attachment mechanism 30 for attaching the handle 25 to the surface 80 can include a suction cup, a weight, a magnet, a fastener or fasteners and the like and should not be considered limited as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Anchoring the device 100 can include at least a couple of methods: First, the device 100 can be anchored or stabilized by the user grasping one hand on the handle 25 such that the support 20 is maintained in a level position or extended horizontally. The support 20 held at one end acts like a beam cantilevering the funnel-bag combination 41. The other hand can be used for gripping a source container or source 90 (see FIG. 3) to transfer the material 11 through the funnel 10 and into the bag 40. Alternatively, the device 100 can be anchored by attaching the handle 25 to the surface 80 using the attachment mechanism 30. As depicted in FIG. 2 and particularly FIG. 4, the funnel-bag combination 41 can be extended or cantilevered via the support 20 attached to the surface 80. This provides the advantage of freeing up the hands in order to control the placement of the material 11 from the source 90 and into the bag 40.

In another embodiment (not shown) the device 100 can be used in combination with a support or stand to help maintain the position of the device 100.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view 1-1 taken from FIG. 2 illustrating the interconnection between a portion of the bag 40 as shown and the device 100. As depicted in FIG. 3, an inner wall 15 of the funnel 10 tapers in a direction from an outward flared inlet end 50 to the outlet end 52. An opening or a channel 75 of the funnel 10 is the space within the inner wall 15 and allows the material 11, as shown, to descend from a source 90 and through the inlet 50 to the outlet 52. The smoothness of the inner wall 15 and steepness of the funnel 10 taper generally affects the flow of material 11 through the channel 75. Further, the profile or shape of the funnel 10 provides a distinct shape referred to as a rolled profile and can preclude material 11 from contacting the upper portion 60 and diminish exposure of closure mechanism 42 to material 11.

In FIG. 3, the bag 40 is depicted as a line. A portion of inner surface 44 of the bag 40 is disposed onto or contacts the lower portion 62 of the sidewall 58 of the funnel 10 and, as shown in FIG. 3, abruptly changes direction over the step 13. In particular, the upper portion 60 is substantially at a right angle with respect to the step 13, thereby forming an edge, which is depicted as a corner 14 as illustrated in FIG. 3. An inner corner 16 is shown in FIG. 3 by the generally right angle or edge formed between the step 13 and the lower portion 62 of the funnel 10. This change in direction or threading of the bag 40 through two generally right angles or corners 14, 16 substantially secures the bag 40 with the device 100. Further shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 44 of the bag 40 further extends and flares out over the upper portion 60 of the sidewall 58. The outer surface 46 of the bag 40 contacts the inner edge 24 of the support 20. Hence, the bag 40 is firmly positioned or secured between the lower portion 62 of the funnel 10 and the inner edge 24 of the support 20. The closure mechanism 42 of the bag 40 is shown extending over part of the upper portion 60 of the funnel 10. In positioning the bag 40 to the device 100, the closure mechanism 42 of the bag 40 is typically positioned at or above the corner 14 (though shown in FIG. 3 above the corner 14), which is formed between the top surface 12 of the support 20 and the upper portion 60 of the funnel 10 at the step 13. Further, the bag 40 is secured between the top surface 12 and the step 13.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device 100 attached to the surface 80 via the attachment mechanism 30. As depicted in FIG. 4, the support 20 extends or is cantilevered over an edge 53 of the surface 80 and over a cavity or a kitchen sink called a sink 51 such that the bag 40 is suspended over the sink 51. Though not clearly depicted in FIG. 4, a portion of the handle 25 can contact the surface 80 at or near the edge 53 generally at a contact point 48. This is because an increasing force acts down on the device 100 as the loading increases with the transfer of material 11 (see FIG. 3) into the bag 40. The force from the weight of material 11 in the bag 40 can cause the attachment mechanism 30 to deflect or bend allowing a portion of the handle 25 to contact the surface 80. In another embodiment (not shown), the attachment mechanism does not deflect, and the handle cannot contact the surface.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a device 200 including a funnel 210 and a support 220 in combination with a non-rigid container or bag 240 with an opening 245. Further, FIG. 5 shows the device 200 attached at two locations on a surface 280 and extending across the edges 253 and over a cavity or sink 251. The edge 253 marks the boundary between a cavity or sink 251 and the surface 280. The funnel 210 includes ends having inlet 250 and outlet 252 ends for receiving and transmitting material 211, respectively. The material 211 from a source 290 for transferring with the device 200 can be similar to those described under FIG. 1. As shown here, the funnel 210 includes two opposing pairs of sides 254, 256 having a sidewall 258. Though the shape of the funnel 210 is generally oblong and is illustrated with curved sides 254, 256, the shape of the funnel 210 should not be considered a limitation of the present invention. A step 213 marks the transition between upper 260 and lower 262 portions of the sidewall 258 with larger and smaller circumferences of the funnel 210, respectively. The funnel 210 can be made using various materials similar to those discussed under FIG. 1. The size of the funnel 210 is similar as described under FIG. 1.

The support 220, as illustrated in FIG. 5, completely surrounds the funnel 210 and bag 240 referred to as a funnel-bag combination 241. Portions of the support 220 contacting the bag 240 are referred to as the arms 223. A surface on the arms 223 faces the support opening 228 and contacts the bag 240 and is referred to as inner edge 224 (similar to inner edge 24 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3). Spaces between a pair of opposing sides 256 of the funnel 210 and the support 220 are called the relief regions 221 (similar to the relief regions as described under FIG. 1). The two portions of the support 220 extending between the relief regions 221, and generally the resting locations of the surface 280 are referred to as the handles 225. The support 220 can be made using materials similar to those discussed under FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the support 220 further includes a top surface 212 and an attachment mechanism 230 having a protrusion or nipple 232. The nipple 232 inserts into a hole 229 of the handle 225, thereby connecting the attachment mechanism 230 to the handle 225.

An outer surface 246 of the bag 240 contacts the inner edge 224 of the support 220. Hence, similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the bag 240 is firmly positioned or secured between the lower portion 262 of the funnel 210 and the inner edge 224 of the support 220. The closure mechanism (similar to reference number 42 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) of the bag 240 is shown extending over the upper portion 260 of the funnel 210.

As depicted in FIG. 5, an inner wall 215 of the funnel 210 tapers in a direction from a flared out inlet end 250 to a narrow end (similar to reference number 52 in FIGS. 1 and 3). An opening or a channel 275 of the funnel 210 is the space within the inner wall 215 and allows material 211 to descend from the inlet 250 end to the outlet 252 end and travel down into the bag 240.

As shown in FIG. 5, the funnel-bag combination 241 can be positioned within the support opening 228 such that the bag 240 is secured or anchored between funnel 210 and the support 220. In addition, the bag 240 is further secured between the top surface 212 of the support 220 and the step 213 of the funnel 210.

The process of coupling the bag 240 to the device 200 is similar to the methods described under FIG. 2.

In another embodiment (not shown) the device 200 can be used in combination with a support or stand to help maintain the position of the device 200.

Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law. 

The invention we claim is:
 1. A method of transferring a material into a bag, comprising: forming a funnel-bag combination by disposing a portion of a funnel having a step into the bag; positioning a support generally around the funnel-bag combination and anchoring the bag at least between the step and the support; and suspending the funnel-bag combination and conveying the material from a source through the funnel and into the bag.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein disposing the portion of the funnel into the bag includes opening the bag and inserting the portion of the funnel though an opening of the bag.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the support generally around the funnel-bag combination includes inserting the funnel-bag combination between arms of the support.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the support generally around the funnel-bag combination includes positioning a closure mechanism of the bag above the step.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming at least one point of attachment between the support and a surface.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein suspending the funnel-bag combination includes grasping a handle of the support with a hand and cantilevering the funnel-bag combination from the support.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein suspending the funnel-bag combination includes attaching the support to a surface and cantilevering the funnel-bag combination from the support.
 8. A device for transferring material into a bag, comprising: a funnel having a sidewall with a step, and the funnel includes an outlet end, wherein the bag having an opening receives the outlet end of the funnel and the step; and a support for receiving the funnel in combination with the bag, and the support includes an top surface, wherein the step rests generally above a portion of the top surface to substantially secure the bag between the funnel and the support.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the sidewall comprises upper and lower portions separated by the step.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the bag is secured to the support at least by an interference fit between the support and the lower portion of the funnel.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the support further includes a handle and at least two arms.
 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising an attachment mechanism connected to the handle.
 13. A device for transferring material into a bag, comprising: a funnel with a sidewall having upper and lower portions separated by a step; a support for receiving the funnel and the support having a top surface and an inner edge, wherein the bag is securely interposed between the step and the top surface and between the lower portion and the inner edge.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the step rests generally above a portion of the top surface
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the top surface and the inner edge of the support are substantially transverse with respect to each other.
 16. The device of claim 13, further comprises an attachment mechanism connected to a portion of the support.
 17. The device of claim 13, further comprises a plurality of attachment mechanisms connected to portions of the support.
 18. The device of claim 13, wherein the securely interposed bag substantially forms a first right angle in transitioning from generally along the upper portion to along the step.
 19. The device of claim 13, wherein the securely interposed bag substantially forms a second right angle in transitioning from along the step to along the lower portion.
 20. The device of claim 13, wherein the support extends completely around the funnel. 